Trio sentenced in Charleston, Dorchester armed robbery spree

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Three men accused of robbing businesses throughout Charleston and Dorchester counties in 2008 were sentenced on Thursday.

Bryan Leon Mulligan, 22, was sentenced to thirty years in prison, while 21-year-old Corey Larkin and 22-year-old Joshua Monroe were both sentenced to twenty five years in prison.

The trio plead guilty to four counts of armed robbery, one count of attempted armed robbery, six counts of kidnapping, two counts of aggravated assault and battery and one count of first-degree criminal sexual conduct.

Authorities say for over two months in 2008, the three men targeted several restaurants and businesses.

According to investigators, the robbers wore masks and gloves and were armed with handguns and stun guns. As employees closed for the night, the robbers forced their way in, kidnapping and assaulting the employees and stealing thousands of dollars, authorities report.

In one incident, detectives say the robbers forced a female employee to perform sex acts.

The Red Lobster on Mall Drive and the Applebee's, the Noisy Oyster and the Chuck E. Cheese, on Rivers Avenue were hit in Charleston County. The Frankie's Fun Park and the Applebee's on Ashley Phosphate Road were hit in Dorchester County.

The North Charleston Police Department say they located a vehicle used in the robberies and arrested Mulligan. Larkin and Monroe were later arrested and confessed to their role in the robberies, according to authorities.

Court officials indicate that at the completion of the sentences, the defendants may also face involuntary civil commitment pursuant to the South Carolina Sexually Violent Predator Act.